Longtime Red Sox star Mike Greenwell dead at 62 after cancer battle

 Mike Greenwell, the longtime Boston Red Sox outfielder, has passed away after being diagnosed with a form of thyroid cancer, Lee County, Florida officials announced on Thursday.

Greenwell, 62, had been serving as Lee County commissioner since July 2022 after being appointed by overnor Ron DeSantis.

"It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Commissioner Mike Greenwell, a lifelong Lee County resident," read a statement on the Lee County Facebook page. "He was a strong advocate for the people and businesses of Lee County and will be remembered for seeking meaningful solutions to the challenges his community faced.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who were touched by his leadership."

In August Greenwell told wbbh in Fort Myers that he had been diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer, causing him to be unable to attend public meetings to protect his immune system.

Greenwell, a 1982 third-round draft pick by the Red Sox, spent all 12 seasons of his MLB career in Boston. He made two All-Star teams and was a Silver Slugger Award winner in 1988 — the same season he finished as runner-up to Jose Canseco for AL MVP after hitting 22 home runs and driving in 119 runs while batting .325.